Is Your Joy Ride a Nightmare?

Does your dog love or hate the car? Most dogs love it, can't wait to go and will be at your door the minute they hear your keys jingle. Other dogs may be afraid due to motion sickness, road noise or even claustrophobic! Then there are the few dogs that take the car ride as another opportunity to control the world by racing across the seats, jumping at the window or having their head out of the window barking at everything they pass.

This topic is too large to cover everything so let's stick to getting dogs in and having them stay put.

Back when my kids were little, a McDonald's Happy Meal always helped get through a long car ride. And what's in a Happy Meal? Food and a toy. You can do the same thing with your dog, especially when they are nervous and afraid. 

Feeding your dog in the car could help them adjust by creating a Happy Atmosphere. If your dog won't even go near the car you can feed them next to it or play with their favorite toy. Using food and toys can help your dog overcome their fear.

Remember this is an emotional problem and it will take a while to help your dog become more comfortable while riding in the car. The goal is to create a calmer state of mind. We want Happy not Crazy. 

Honestly, I want Quiet and Content. Safety is a real issue as well. So another way to stop our dogs from bouncing all over the car is to tether them. Sure you can buy a doggie seat belt but the leash will work quite fine.  You can anchor your leash by tying it to the car head rest or you and shut the door on it and secure it with a knot on the out side.

You don't even have to move your car out of the garage to practice. Just get in the car, buckle up (puppy too) and take advantage of the time to make phone calls or send your texts; Your dog will learn to wait patiently. When you are ready to start the engine then you will be less distracted and the road will be safe for everyone.

Out of the DogHouse LLC website www.ohiodogtrainer.net

Contact Dru Therrian 440.286.9070